Student Academic Policies
Students of the University of Tennessee are directed to the student catalog for general policies and procedures, including campus resources. The current and prospective student’s primary resource is via Hilltopics which describes withdrawal procedures, academic dismissal, total withdrawal from the University, and student governance. All enrolled students are directed to Hilltopics.
Deferred Matriculation
An admitted student may request deferred matriculation after being admitted to the professional DVM program. Admitted students who wish to defer matriculation must consult with the Director of Admissions and Enrollment Services or the Assistant Dean for Students. Permission for a one-time deferral will be granted by the Associate Dean for a period of one or two years following the initial year of admission. Students must confirm their intent to enroll at least 90 days prior to the start of the relevant fall semester.
Withdrawal
Matriculated students may withdraw from the professional curriculum before the term has ended for academic, health, or personal reasons. Students should consult with the Assistant Dean for Students or the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs to aid in the withdrawal process. Students who withdraw and are in good academic standing may be readmitted at the discretion of the Associate Dean. The process for withdrawal is defined by UTK. Students should consult Hilltopics and the Graduate Catalog, which describe general withdrawal procedures, academic dismissal and suspension, and appeals.
Students who withdraw from the professional program are asked to declare their withdrawal in writing to the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs. Specific instructions and/or reenrollment terms will be provided in writing upon receipt of the withdrawal letter.
Tuition and Fee Refunds
Because the veterinary admissions process is a competitive process for a restricted number of seats, tuition and mandatory fees paid to reserve registration may not be refunded, and refunds may depend on the college’s ability to fill the vacated seat. Full or partial refunds are issued by the Bursar’s Office. Tuition and fees generally will NOT be refunded when withdrawal or deferral is requested after the first day of classes for the relevant semester of withdrawal. Students have the right to submit an appeal for an exception to the refund policy as described here if extenuating circumstance(s) exist. Appeals may be made to the Associate Dean following the general procedures and for the approved reasons outlined for UTK students at Bursur. Decisions made by the Associate Dean can be appealed to the Dean of the college. Any pending tuition or fees owed to the university must be paid before re-enrollment will be allowed.
Academic Status
Each student must remain in good academic standing as he/she progress through the DVM degree curriculum. A student will be placed on academic probation when his/her cumulative GPA falls below the minimum acceptable level. Academic dismissal is the end result of a pattern of receiving grades that are below the college’s standards for good academic status.
Faculty Advising Program
Each incoming veterinary student is assigned to a faculty advisor at the beginning of their first semester. The process attempts to pair students with faculty with similar subject or career interests when possible. At this stage, advising is intended to be primarily academic. Each semester the academic adviser and student are expected to meet to review academic progress. Also, the Associate Dean will provide each adviser a progress letter each academic term. However, depending on the rapport established, some students consult with their faculty advisor for non-academic mentoring as well. Advisement may entail assisting with student resource identification, help with academic progress, selection and supervision of the senior electives, career choices, etc.
The Office of the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, and the Director of the Veterinary Social Work program are also available to all veterinary students for counseling on academic, financial, or personal problems. When appropriate, referral can be made to other on campus or off-campus resources, such as marriage counselors, mental health clinics, etc.
Tutoring Services
Student tutors are available through SCAVMA and the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs. Interested students are encouraged to contact the SCAVMA Vice President or the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs to arrange tutoring assistance.
